Arkle Chase (Cheltenham March 11th)

0.5pt win Defy Logic 16/1 Gen

I’ve been toying with tipping Defy Logic for this race since the service began and the performance of Grandouet today, nudged me over the edge !

Obviously it is very early days to be worrying about dangers but Grandouet was second favourite for the race with most bookmaker – and certainly has the hurdle form to be a big player in the race. However, based on todays run, I don’t think his jumping technique is good enough…

One down then !

In truth, Defy Logic wasn’t overly slick in his one and only chase – but he was proficient enough.

Also, as a horse having only his fourth outing over any form of obstacles, I would expect there to be a good deal of improvement…

Based on his hurdling form, he does still need to improve – though that said he did run a couple of very good races last season.

After winning his maiden at Fairyhouse, he then contested a grade 2 hurdle at Naas. He had to give best to Annie Power in that contest, but he lost little in failing by 3 lengths to give 8lb to that unbeaten mare, with the very useful Don Cossack a further 8 lengths back in third.

On his third and final outing over hurdles, Defy Logic again took on grade 2 company, this time over 2m4f at Naas.

Again he was beaten – but he put up a most striking display in defeat.

He pulled APs arms out throughout the contest and by half way was a good dozen lengths clear of his field.

Ordinarily, when this happens, the horse in question tires over the final part of the race – and whilst this did happen to an extent, the way Defy Logic kept battling, left a lasting impression.

Ultimately he was beaten a head – but there was nearly 20 lengths back to the very useful Bright New Dawn in third.

A horse who can get so much wrong in a race and yet run so well, clearly has a lot of talent.

As I mentioned at the beginning, Defy Logic has only run once over fences – and that was on his seasonal debut at Naas at the end of October. Connections had evidently been working on getting him settled and he was more amenable to restraint in the race.

Consequently he had more left in the tank at the end of the race and was able to coast clear on the run in.

That race wasn’t much of a contest – but we did learn a couple of very valuable things (namely that Defy Logic can jump – and he is more settled).

Obviously, he will need to get more experience if he is to be a genuine Arkle contender – but I’m sure that is precisely what his trainer, Paul Nolan has in mind.

I guess there is also a chance that he will be taught to settle so well, that he gets stepped up in distance (and aimed at the Jewson) - but he is such a naturally exuberant character I think that is unlikely.

On balance then, a progressive, talented horse who I am happy enough to start my ante-post portfolio with.